The Los Angeles Clippers will hold a Fan Festival at Staples Center today, welcoming new owner Steven Ballmer to the city.
Ballmer will be joined in speaking by President of Basketball Operations-Coach Doc Rivers, guard Chris Paul, forward Blake Griffin, center DeAndre Jordan and other players.
Doors will open at noon and the rally will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Admission is free. Fans must enter through the 11th Street doors. The first 2,500 fans will receive a red “We Are Clipper Nation” T-shirt.
“There will also be more fun surprises,” said a team official who asked not to be identified.
Free parking is available in Lot W, entering at Gate B.
The event will be streamed live on the team’s website, Clippers.com.
The festival is being held on a Monday because of “many factors… including trying to mesh the schedules of Steve Ballmer and Staples Center,” the official said.
“While we are aware that many fans will be at work during this event, there will be several other events upcoming in the near future where Clipper fans will get a chance to meet Steve,” the official said.
Ballmer’s $2 billion purchase of the team from Donald Sterling was completed Tuesday.
“I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers,” said Ballmer, a former Microsoft CEO.
“Clipper fans are so amazing,” Ballmer said. “They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staff and players the support they need to do their best work on the court. And we will do whatever necessary to provide our fans and their families with the best game-night experience in the NBA.”
